People in the same village are considered brothers and sisters. so, no badaga wedding take place among the same village. They choose the bride from the other seemai (சீமை)
Engagement
The groom’s side arrives at the place of the bride. In an auspicious time, the groom side offers the chain and the dress to the girl. The relatives and the people of the groom’s village asks the girl for the acceptance for the marriage, then they bless the bride. And, the most interesting part of the ceremony is that, the boy is not supposed to see the girl till the engagement ceremony is over. The people from the boy’s side is then invited for the engagement feast. of course the badaga dance is then performed.
Pre-wedding
Before the wedding day, the groom’s side goes to the bride’s place to invite the girl for the marriage. The whole family and the village of the bride celebrate the day before by decorating the house and performing the evergreen badaga dance. before six o clock, the girl gets the blessing from the people of the groom’s side then she goes to each and every house in the village to get the blessings from her own village people. her friends and the surroundings are invited for tea, and the bride side organizes the pre-wedding feast.
Wedding
Badaga wedding is not a usual Hindu wedding. It has the interesting customs and traditions. The first important thing is No dowry. Even the preparations for marriage and the customary feast after the marriage, called Maduve Hittu is organized by the groom’s side. The wedding ceremony usually take place in the groom’s place. The bride’s side arrive at the place of the groom early in the morning. Then the bride, groom and the other relatives and the village people, head to the temple. there The most sacred ceremony of thalli katudho(tying the thalli) ceremony takes place. Thrn the newly wedded come back home and the sweet dish made out of banana and milk is served to the girl. the girl respectfully takes it and washes the plate. the mat in which the girl sat is also washed. this marks that the girl has accepted. then the girl brings a pot full of water from the near by stream with two other women from her village. This is said to be one of the old traditional method. Then the badaga dance is performed and matuve hittu the feast take place.
Badagar Marriage (Madhuvey)
Badaga community is one of the oldest tribal community in the queen hills. They have the unique and adaptable traditions. Though agriculture is the main occupation of the people, now you can see people shining in all fields. Many have also moved to towns for other professions. If you are on tour to ooty, do not forget to witness the badaga culture which is wide spread among the mystifying green mountains.
"Proud to be a BADAGA" 